JP2017219152A - Hydrogen supply facility and hydrogen supply method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen supply facility that can more efficiently utilize hydrogen charged into a gas storage container.SOLUTION: A hydrogen supply facility comprises a gas storage container, a compressor, and a storage medium. Compressed hydrogen is charged into the gas storage container. The compressor pumps the hydrogen to be supplied to a supply target of the hydrogen at a predetermined pressure. The storage medium can store and release the hydrogen, and is connected to the gas storage container to store the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container when a pressure of the gas storage container is below a predetermined suction pressure required for the compressor. The hydrogen stored in the storage medium is released to the compressor when the compressor pumps the hydrogen to the supply target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrogen supply facility and a hydrogen supply method.

  In recent years, hydrogen has been studied as a new energy source to replace fossil fuels that are feared to be depleted in the future. Hydrogen is supplied to, for example, a fuel cell vehicle operating on a fuel cell. Hydrogen supply facilities that supply hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles and the like include a hydrogen station.

  Hydrogen supply facilities can be classified into an on-site type and an off-site type according to the method of procuring hydrogen. In an on-site type hydrogen supply facility, the supplied hydrogen is produced in the facility. In an off-site type hydrogen supply facility, hydrogen is not produced in the facility but procured from an external hydrogen production plant. Off-site hydrogen supply facilities can be classified into a method for storing compressed hydrogen and a method for storing liquid hydrogen.

  The compressed hydrogen is filled into a gas storage container at a hydrogen production plant. A plurality of gas storage containers filled with compressed hydrogen are bundled. A bundle of a plurality of gas storage containers is called a curdle. In a hydrogen supply facility that stores compressed hydrogen, the curdle is transported to the hydrogen supply facility by a trailer or the like. The hydrogen supply facility supplies hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle or the like using the conveyed curdle as a hydrogen supply source.

In the hydrogen supply facility, the pressure of hydrogen supplied to a fuel cell vehicle or the like is defined as, for example, 70 MPa. In addition, the pressure described in this specification is a gauge pressure. In a hydrogen supply facility that stores compressed hydrogen, the hydrogen pressure in the curdle stored in the hydrogen supply facility decreases as the hydrogen supply progresses, and there is a risk that hydrogen at a predetermined pressure cannot be supplied. Therefore, a technique for suppressing the pressure drop of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply facility has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below proposes a technique for suppressing the pressure drop of hydrogen accumulated in a pressure accumulator that accumulates hydrogen supplied from a curdle in a pressurized state. In patent document 1, the pressure of hydrogen in the accumulator of a transfer destination can be made high by transferring the hydrogen in some accumulators to another accumulator via a compressor.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-111984

  At the hydrogen supply facility, hydrogen in the gas storage container of the curdle is adjusted to a specified pressure by a compressor or the like and supplied to a fuel cell vehicle or the like. As the supply of hydrogen proceeds, the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container decreases. In hydrogen supply facilities, when the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container drops to a pressure that cannot be adjusted to the specified pressure even by a compressor, etc., hydrogen remains in the gas storage container. You can switch to another cardle. The curdles with reduced hydrogen pressure are transported to a hydrogen production plant by a trailer or the like. Therefore, the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container is transported to the hydrogen production plant without being used.

Then, one side surface of the technique of an indication makes it a subject to provide the hydrogen supply facility which can utilize hydrogen with which the gas storage container was filled more efficiently.

  One aspect of the disclosed technology is exemplified by a hydrogen supply facility as follows. The hydrogen supply facility includes a gas storage container, a compressor, and a storage medium. The gas storage container is filled with compressed hydrogen. The compressor pumps supplied hydrogen to a supply target of hydrogen at a specified pressure. The storage medium is capable of occluding and releasing hydrogen, and is connected to the gas storage container when the pressure of the gas storage container does not satisfy the predetermined suction pressure required for the compressor, and the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container Occlude. Hydrogen stored in the storage medium is released to the compressor when the compressor pumps hydrogen to the supply target.

  According to such a hydrogen supply facility, the amount of hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container can be reduced by the storage medium storing the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container and releasing the stored hydrogen. Therefore, the hydrogen supply facility can use the hydrogen filled in the gas storage container more efficiently.

  Furthermore, this hydrogen supply facility may have the following characteristics. The storage medium is formed of a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen and generates heat when cooled, and releases the stored hydrogen and absorbs heat when heated. By using a hydrogen storage alloy as the storage medium, more hydrogen can be stored in a smaller installation area than when a hollow tank is used as the storage medium.

  Furthermore, this hydrogen supply facility may have the following characteristics. The hydrogen supply facility further includes a first heat source that heats the storage medium made of the hydrogen storage alloy, and a second heat source that cools the storage medium. The storage medium can release hydrogen at a pressure higher than a predetermined suction pressure required for the compressor by heating in a temperature range possible by the first heat source, and can store gas by cooling in a temperature range possible by the second heat source. Manufactured to store hydrogen in the container. With such a hydrogen supply facility, the utilization efficiency of hydrogen in the gas storage container can be increased within a range that can be heated or cooled by a heat source.

  Furthermore, this hydrogen supply facility may have the following characteristics. The storage medium made of the hydrogen storage alloy includes two storage media that are in thermal contact with each other. One occlusion medium heats the other occlusion medium by the heat generated when occludes hydrogen to promote the release of hydrogen by the other occlusion medium, and the other occlusion medium absorbs the other occlusion by the endotherm at the time of hydrogen release. The medium is cooled to promote the storage of hydrogen by one storage medium. With such a hydrogen supply facility, even if a heat source with lower performance is used, it is possible to store and release hydrogen using the storage medium.

  Furthermore, this hydrogen supply facility may have the following characteristics. The hydrogen supply facility further includes a hydrogen production apparatus that produces hydrogen using electric power supplied by power generation using renewable energy. The storage medium is connected to the hydrogen production device when the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen production device per unit time is larger than the amount of hydrogen required by the hydrogen supply facility, and the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device is stored in the storage medium. Occlude. The storage medium is connected to a compressor and releases the stored hydrogen when the amount of hydrogen supplied per unit time from the hydrogen production apparatus is less than the amount of hydrogen required by the hydrogen supply facility. With such a hydrogen supply facility, fluctuations due to weather conditions or the like of the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production plant can be absorbed by the storage medium. As a result, the hydrogen supply facility can stably supply hydrogen.

  Furthermore, the disclosed technology can be grasped as a hydrogen supply method by a hydrogen supply facility including a gas storage container, a compressor, and an occlusion medium.

  This hydrogen supply facility can more efficiently use the hydrogen filled in the gas storage container.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a hydrogen station according to a comparative example. Drawing 2 is a figure showing an example of composition of a hydrogen station concerning an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the amount and pressure of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operation of the hydrogen station. FIG. 5 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the sales amount increased due to the use of residual hydrogen and the number of times the curl is transferred. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the hydrogen station according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the second modification. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the third modification. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a hydrogen production factory. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the fourth modified example. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the fourth modified example. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a hydrogen production factory.

  Hereinafter, a hydrogen station according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the embodiment described below is an exemplification, and the disclosed technology is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

<Comparative example>
First, a comparative example will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a hydrogen station 500 according to a comparative example. Hereinafter, a hydrogen station 500 according to a comparative example will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration of hydrogen station 500)
The hydrogen station 500 supplies hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle, for example. A fuel cell vehicle requires a pressure of, for example, 70 MPa for supplied hydrogen. Therefore, the hydrogen station 500 supplies the fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen whose pressure has been increased to a pressure required by the fuel cell vehicle. The hydrogen station 500 is an off-site type hydrogen station that does not have a hydrogen production facility. The hydrogen station 500 includes curdles 1a and 1b, a compressor 2, a pressure accumulator 3, a dispenser 4, valves 5a and 5b, and a pressure reducing valve 6.

  The pressure reducing valve 6 is connected to the curdle 1a, the curdle 1b, and the compressor 2 by piping. A valve 5 a is provided between the curdle 1 a and the pressure reducing valve 6. A valve 5b is provided between the curdle 1b and the pressure reducing valve 6. The pressure accumulator 3 is connected to the compressor 2 and the dispenser 4 by piping.

  The curdles 1a and 1b are obtained by bundling a plurality of gas storage containers filled with hydrogen. The curdles 1a and 1b are collectively referred to as curdle 1. The curdle 1 is used as a hydrogen supply source in the hydrogen station 500.

  The valves 5a and 5b are valves that open and close the hydrogen flow path in the pipe. The valves 5a and 5b are collectively referred to as a valve 5. The valve 5 may be any valve that can open and close the hydrogen flow path in the pipe. The valve 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

  The pressure reducing valve 6 reduces the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the curdle 1 and supplies it to the compressor 2. For example, the pressure reducing valve 6 reduces the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the curdle 1 to 0.7 MPa.

  The compressor 2 boosts the hydrogen supplied from the curdle 1 via the pressure reducing valve 6 to a specified pressure, and pumps the boosted hydrogen to the accumulator 3. For example, the compressor 2 increases the pressure of the pressure reduced to 0.7 MPa by the pressure reducing valve 6 to 82 MPa and sends the pressure to the pressure accumulator 3.

  The pressure accumulator 3 stores hydrogen pumped from the compressor 2. The pressure accumulator 3 supplies high-pressure hydrogen to the dispenser 4 according to the request of the dispenser 4. The pressure accumulator 3 is also referred to as an accumulator.

  For example, the dispenser 4 supplies the high-pressure hydrogen supplied from the pressure accumulator 3 to the fuel cell vehicle after cooling it with a precooler (not shown).

(Operation of hydrogen station 500)
Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle by the hydrogen station 500 as follows. In the hydrogen station 500 that is an off-site type hydrogen station, hydrogen is transferred from an external hydrogen production plant. The hydrogen produced in the hydrogen production plant is filled into the gas storage container at a pressure of 20 MPa, for example. In the hydrogen production factory, a plurality of gas storage containers filled with hydrogen are bundled to form a curdle 1. The cardle 1 is transported from the hydrogen production plant to the hydrogen station 500 by a trailer or the like.

The conveyed curdle 1 is retained at the hydrogen station 500. It is assumed that the curdle 1 retained at this time is the curdle 1a of FIG. In the hydrogen station 500, the valve 5a is opened, and supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1a is started. When the supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1a continues, the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1a decreases. When the pressure in the gas storage container of the cardle 1a decreases to, for example, 3 MPa, the suction pressure of the compressor 2 decreases due to pressure loss between the gas storage container and the compressor 2, and the compressor 2 is a fuel cell vehicle. Hydrogen cannot be increased to the required pressure. Therefore, in the hydrogen station 500, the curdle 1b is transported from the hydrogen production factory and retained in the hydrogen station 500 before the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1a is reduced to 3 MPa. When the curdle 1b is kept at the hydrogen station 500, the supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1a is stopped by closing the valve 5a, and the supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1b is started by opening the valve 5b. . The curdle 1a in which the pressure in the gas storage container has dropped is transported to a hydrogen production plant by a trailer and filled with hydrogen.

  In the hydrogen station 500, when the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 falls to a pressure that cannot be increased to the pressure required by the fuel cell vehicle, hydrogen supply from the curdle 1 becomes difficult. Therefore, even in a state where hydrogen remains in the gas storage container, the curdle 1 whose pressure has been reduced is transported to the hydrogen production factory. If the pressure in the gas storage container at this time is 3 MPa, about 15 percent of the hydrogen in the gas storage container filled with 20 MPa will be transferred to the hydrogen production plant without being used.

<Embodiment>
In the hydrogen station 500 according to the comparative example, the curdle 1 was transported to the hydrogen production factory with hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container. In the embodiment, a hydrogen station in which the hydrogen utilization efficiency is increased by storing hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container with a hydrogen storage alloy tank will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the hydrogen station 100 according to the embodiment. The hydrogen station 100 supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle. A fuel cell vehicle is an example of a “vehicle powered by hydrogen”. The same components as those in the comparative example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is a tank that uses a hydrogen storage alloy that stores hydrogen when cooled and releases hydrogen when heated. The amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and released per unit time can be controlled by the temperature applied to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. That is, the amount of hydrogen released per unit time is increased by heating the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 at a higher temperature, and the amount of hydrogen stored per unit time is reduced by cooling the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 at a lower temperature. Can be increased. In other words, by controlling the temperature applied to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the pressure of hydrogen stored or released by the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 can be controlled. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1. By the way, if a certain amount of hydrogen does not remain in the gas storage container of the curdle 1, air may be mixed into the gas storage container of the curdle 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the curdle 1 is transported to the hydrogen production factory with hydrogen of about 0.1 MPa remaining in the gas storage container. In this specification, the state in which the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container is about 0.1 MPa is defined as the state in which the gas storage container is emptied. The performance of storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 may be that hydrogen can be stored until the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 becomes less than 0.1 MPa at the cooling temperature when the hydrogen station 100 is operated. Hydrogen storage alloy 7
The performance of releasing hydrogen may be such that hydrogen can be released at the pressure required by the compressor 2 at the heating temperature during operation of the hydrogen station 100. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is connected to the curdles 1a and 1b and the compressor 2 through piping. A valve 5d is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the curdle 1a. A valve 5e is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the curdle 1b. A valve 5 c is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the compressor 2. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is an example of a “storage medium”.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the amount and pressure of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the hydrogen storage alloy, the stored hydrogen pressure rapidly changes in a range where the amount of stored hydrogen is close to 0 and in a range close to the upper limit at which the hydrogen storage alloy can store. Therefore, the hydrogen storage alloy is often used in the range of the region A in FIG. 3 avoiding the region where the pressure rapidly changes. Therefore, it is preferable that the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is designed so that all the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 can be stored in the range of the region A in FIG.

  The cooling source 8 cools the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. The cooling source 8 is in thermal contact with the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 through a heat source pipe 11 that transfers heat. The refrigerant flows in the heat source pipe 11, and the refrigerant cooled by the cooling source 8 cools the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. The refrigerant is, for example, water. The cooling source 8 is not particularly limited as long as it absorbs heat. The cooling source 8 is, for example, a cooling tower. The cooling source 8 may be a water pipe, for example. The cooling source 8 is an example of a “second heat source”.

  The heat source 9 heats the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. The heat source 9 is connected to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 through a heat source pipe 11. In the heat source pipe 11, the refrigerant flows as described above, and the refrigerant heated by the heat source 9 heats the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. The heat source 9 is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the refrigerant. The heat source 9 may use, for example, exhaust heat of a precooler (not shown) of the compressor 2 or the dispenser 4. The heat source 9 may use an electric heater or a heat pump. The heat source 9 is an example of a “first heat source”.

Between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the cooling source 8 and the heat source 9 on the heat source pipe 11, a valve 5g and a valve 5f are provided. The valve 5 f and the valve 5 g are three-way valves that open and close the refrigerant flow path in the heat source pipe 11. When the flow path connected to the cooling source 8 side of the valve 5f and the valve 5g is closed and the flow path connected to the heat source 9 and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 side of the valve 5f and the valve 5g is opened, the heat source 9 The heated refrigerant flows through the heat source pipe 11, and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is heated. When the flow path connected to the heat source 9 side of the valve 5f and the valve 5g is closed and the flow path connected to the cooling source 8 and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 side is opened, the refrigerant cooled by the cooling source 8 Flows through the heat source pipe 11, and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is cooled. That is, by operating the valve 5f and the valve 5g, the flow path of the refrigerant in the heat source pipe 11 is changed, and heating and cooling of the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 are switched.

  The pump 10 is a pump that circulates the refrigerant flowing in the heat source pipe 11. The pump 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can circulate the refrigerant in the heat source pipe 11.

(Operation of hydrogen station 100)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation flow of the hydrogen station 100. In FIG. 4, the open / close state of each valve 5 is exemplified by ON (valve opened) and OFF (valve closed).
An example of the curdle 1 that supplies hydrogen in accordance with the opening and closing of is shown. Moreover, the change of the pressure of the gas storage container of the curdles 1a and 1b and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is illustrated in the lower part of FIG. Hereinafter, the operation flow of the hydrogen station 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

In S1 of FIG. 4, the valve 5a is open and the valves 5d, 5c, 5b and 5e are closed. That is, when the valve 5a is opened, a hydrogen flow path from the curdle 1a to the pressure reducing valve 6 is secured, and hydrogen is supplied from the curdle 1a. Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container of the curd 1 a decreases as hydrogen is supplied from the curd 1 a. When the pressure in the gas storage container of the cardle 1a is less than the pressure required by the compressor 2 (for example, 3 MPa, described as the predetermined pressure 1 in FIG. 4), the hydrogen station 100 is in S
Transition to state 2. The predetermined pressure 1 is an example of “a predetermined pressure required for the compressor”.

In S <b> 2, a process in a state in which the pressure in the gas storage container of the curl 1 a is no longer required by the compressor 2 is exemplified. In S2, the valve 5a is closed and the valves 5d and 5b are opened. By closing the valve 5a, the supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1a to the pressure reducing valve 6 is stopped. Moreover, the flow path of hydrogen from the curdle 1a to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is ensured by opening the valve 5d. Here, although not illustrated in FIG. 4, in S2, a flow path to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 of the refrigerant cooled by the cooling source 8 is secured by the operation of the valve 5f and the valve 5g, and the hydrogen storage is performed by the refrigerant. The alloy tank 7 is cooled. The cooled hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curd la. The amount of hydrogen per unit time stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 may be appropriately determined based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curd 1a, the arrival time of the trailer for recovering the curd 1a, and the like. Referring to FIG. 4, the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 a decreases and the pressure in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 increases. Moreover, it turns out that the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container of the curd 1b decreases as hydrogen is supplied from the curd 1b. When the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores all the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1a, the hydrogen station 100 transitions to the state of S3. As described above, the state where all the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container is occluded is a state where the pressure of hydrogen in the gas storage container is about 0.1 MPa.

In S3, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 releases the stored hydrogen from the gas storage container of the curdle 1a. In S3, the valve 5d is closed and the valve 5c is opened. By closing the valve 5d, the hydrogen flow path from the curdle 1a to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is closed. By opening the valve 5c, a hydrogen flow path from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 to the compressor 2 is secured. Here, although not illustrated in FIG. 4, in S3, a flow path to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 of the refrigerant heated by the heat source 9 by the operation of the valve 5f and the valve 5g is secured, and the hydrogen storage alloy is generated by the refrigerant. The tank 7 is heated. The heated hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 releases the stored hydrogen from the curdle 1a. That is, in S <b> 3, hydrogen passed through the pressure reducing valve 6 from the curdle 1 b and hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 are supplied to the compressor 2. The amount of hydrogen per unit time released by the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 may be appropriately determined based on the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the curdle 1b, the performance of the compressor 2, and the like. Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that as hydrogen is supplied from the curdle 1 b and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the pressure of the gas storage container of the curdle 1 b and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 decreases. When the release of all the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is finished, the hydrogen station 100 transitions to the state of S4.

  In S4, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 has finished releasing the stored hydrogen. Therefore, in the hydrogen station 100, hydrogen is supplied from the curdle 1 b and no hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. Note that while the supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1b continues, a new curdle 1a is transported from the hydrogen factory to the hydrogen station 100 by the trailer. The new curdle 1 a that has been transported is retained in the hydrogen station 100. Further, the curdle 1a storing the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is transported to a hydrogen factory by a trailer and filled with hydrogen. When the pressure in the gas storage container of the curddle 1b does not reach the pressure required by the compressor 2 (described as the predetermined pressure 1 in FIG. 4), the hydrogen station 100 transitions to the state of S5.

  In S <b> 5, hydrogen is supplied from a new cardle 1 a, and the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the cardle 1 b is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. In S5, the valve 5a and the valve 5e are opened, and the valve 5b is closed. The flow path of hydrogen from the curdle 1a to the pressure reducing valve 6 is secured by opening the valve 5a, and the flow path of hydrogen from the curdle 1b to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is secured by opening the valve 5e. Further, by closing the valve 5b, the hydrogen flow path from the curdle 1b to the pressure reducing valve 6 is closed. Here, although not illustrated in FIG. 4, in S5, a flow path to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 of the refrigerant cooled by the cooling source 8 by the operation of the valve 5f and the valve 5g is secured, and the hydrogen storage is performed by the refrigerant. The alloy tank 7 is cooled. The cooled hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1b. Referring to FIG. 4, the pressure in the gas storage container of the curd 1b decreases and the pressure in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 increases. Moreover, it turns out that the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1a is decreasing as hydrogen is supplied from the curdle 1a. When the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores all the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1b, the hydrogen station 100 transitions to the state of S6.

  In S6, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 releases the stored hydrogen from the gas storage container of the curdle 1b. In S6, the valve 5e is closed and the valve 5c is opened. By closing the valve 5e, the hydrogen flow path from the curdle 1b to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is closed. By opening the valve 5c, a hydrogen flow path from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 to the compressor 2 is secured. Here, although not illustrated in FIG. 4, in S6, similarly to S3, a flow path to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 for the refrigerant heated by the heat source 9 by the operation of the valve 5f and the valve 5g is secured. As a result, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is heated. The heated hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 releases the stored hydrogen from the curdle 1b. That is, in S <b> 6, hydrogen passed through the pressure reducing valve 6 from the curdle 1 a and hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 are supplied to the compressor 2. Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that as hydrogen is supplied from the curdle 1a and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the pressure of the gas storage container of the curdle 1a and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 decreases. When the release of all the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is finished, the hydrogen station 100 transitions to the state of S7.

In S7, the valve 5c is closed, whereby the hydrogen flow path from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 to the compressor 2 is closed. In addition, while supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1a continues, a new curdle 1b is transported from the hydrogen factory to the hydrogen station 100 by the trailer. The new curdle 1b that has been transported is retained in the hydrogen station 100. Further, the curdle 1b in which the remaining hydrogen is occluded in the hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 7 is transported to a hydrogen factory by a trailer and filled with hydrogen. Thereafter, the hydrogen station 100 transitions to the state of S1.

  By the way, since the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is additionally installed in the hydrogen station 100 as compared with the hydrogen station 500, the initial cost for installing the hydrogen station tends to be high. Therefore, it will be examined how long it takes to recover the initial cost by utilizing the residual hydrogen that can be used by the hydrogen station 100.

FIG. 5 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the sales amount that increases due to the use of residual hydrogen and the number of times the curl 1 is transferred. The trial calculation conditions of the graph illustrated in FIG. 5 are as follows: First, as the conditions for the curdle 1, 20 gas storage containers having an internal volume of 0.7 m ³ are bundled, and hydrogen is brought into the gas storage container until the pressure reaches 19.6 MPa. A filled one was assumed. Next, as a condition for the amount of hydrogen remaining in the curdle 1, it was assumed that the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 could store up to 0.1 MPa when the residual pressure of the gas storage container was 2 MPa and 3 MPa. The price of hydrogen is 40 yen / Nm ³
And the case of 100 yen / Nm ³ were assumed.

  According to FIG. 5, the sales of hydrogen at the hydrogen station 100 is expected to be more than recovering the initial cost of installing the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 by increasing the number of times the curl 1 is transferred. This sales would not have been generated without using the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container. Therefore, almost the entire sales amount illustrated in FIG. 5 can be regarded as profit. Assuming that the cardle 1 is transferred from the hydrogen production plant to the hydrogen station 100 every day for 20 years, the number of transfers is about 7,300 times. Will do. Then, it seems that the profit which exceeds the cost of initial investment and the transportation cost of Cardle 1 can be secured. Therefore, the hydrogen station 100 that stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 can be more economical than the hydrogen station 500 of the comparative example. In the trial calculation of FIG. 5, the cost related to the heat supply accompanying the occlusion and release of hydrogen is also considered based on the unit price of electric power. Therefore, if exhaust heat can be used as a heat source for the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, it is possible to further increase the profit from the operation of the hydrogen station 100.

  In the embodiment, hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 releases the stored hydrogen to the compressor 2. Therefore, the hydrogen station 100 of the embodiment can reduce the amount of hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 than the hydrogen station 500 of the comparative example. In other words, the hydrogen station 100 can increase the utilization efficiency of hydrogen in the gas storage container as compared with the hydrogen station 500.

  As a method for sucking out hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1, a method using a hollow tank is also conceivable. However, when the hollow tank is employed, if the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 is equal to the pressure in the hollow tank, hydrogen cannot be transferred to the hollow tank thereafter. By increasing the volume of the hollow tank, the amount of hydrogen that can be transferred from the gas storage container of the curdle 1 can be increased, but the installation area of the hollow tank is increased accordingly. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 of the embodiment can be installed with a smaller installation area than the hollow tank, and by adjusting the heat given to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, all the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1 can be removed. Can be occluded. Further, when releasing hydrogen from the hollow tank, it is difficult to control the pressure of the released hydrogen. However, in the case of the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, by controlling the heat applied to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the pressure of hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 can be controlled more easily than when a hollow tank is used. is there.

  Further, as a method of sucking out the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1, a method of sucking out hydrogen into the hollow tank using a compressor can be considered. By using the compressor, it becomes possible to suck out hydrogen until the pressure in the hollow tank becomes higher than the pressure in the gas storage container of the curdle 1. However, when the compressor is installed, pressure fluctuation occurs with the operation of the compressor. Therefore, means such as a buffer tank for absorbing the pressure fluctuation is installed in the hydrogen station 100. Since the hydrogen station 100 employing the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 does not need to be provided with a means such as a buffer tank, it can be installed with a smaller installation area than the hydrogen station employing a compressor. Further, unlike the compressor, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 has no mechanical parts, so that the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 can be maintained more easily than the compressor.

<First Modification>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the hydrogen station 100a according to the first modification. In the hydrogen station 100 according to the embodiment, the number of the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 is one. However, in the hydrogen station 100a according to the first modification, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a is added. The same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the hydrogen station 100a according to the first modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  Similar to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 a is a tank that uses a hydrogen storage alloy having a property of storing and releasing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a is connected to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 by a heat source pipe 11a. A pump 10a is connected on the heat source pipe 11a connected to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a. The pump 10a circulates the refrigerant in the heat source pipe 11a. A valve 5 i is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the compressor 2. A valve 5h is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the valves 5e and 5d. A valve 5k is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a and the compressor 2. A valve 5j is provided between the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a and the valves 5e and 5d.

  In the hydrogen station 100a, one of the hydrogen storage alloy tanks 7 and 7a absorbs the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of one of the curdles 1, and the other releases the already stored hydrogen. As described above, the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a are connected by the heat source pipe 11a, and the refrigerant in the heat source pipe 11a is circulated by the pump 10a.

  Here, the operation of the hydrogen station 100a will be described by taking as an example the case where the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1a and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a releases the stored hydrogen. . In order to stop the supply of hydrogen from the curdle 1a to the pressure reducing valve 6, the valve 5a is closed. In order to secure a hydrogen flow path between the curdle 1a and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7, the valve 5d and the valve 5h are opened. In order to close the hydrogen flow path between the curdle 1b and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a, the valve 5j is closed. In order to close the hydrogen flow path from the curdle 1b to the hydrogen storage alloy tanks 7, 7a, the valve 5e is closed. In order to secure the hydrogen flow path from the curdle 1b to the pressure reducing valve 6, the valve 5b is opened. In order to close the hydrogen flow path from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 to the compressor 2, the valve 5i is closed. In order to ensure a hydrogen flow path from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a to the compressor 2, the valve 5k is opened.

The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curdle 1a and heats the refrigerant in the heat source pipe 11a by an exothermic reaction during the storage of hydrogen. The heated refrigerant circulates in the heat source pipe 11a by the pump 10a and heats the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a. The heated hydrogen storage alloy tank 7a releases the stored hydrogen and cools the refrigerant in the heat source pipe 11a by an endothermic reaction at the time of hydrogen release. The cooled refrigerant is circulated in the heat source pipe 11a by the pump 10a to cool the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. The cooled hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 continues to store the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container of the curd la.

  That is, in the hydrogen station 100a, heat used for hydrogen storage or hydrogen release between the hydrogen storage alloy tanks 7 and 7a is interchanged. For this reason, in the hydrogen station 100a of the first modified example, it is possible to employ a cooling source 8 that cools the hydrogen storage alloy tanks 7 and 7a and a heat source 9 that performs heating that have lower performance than the hydrogen station 100 of the embodiment.

<Second Modification>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the second modification. In FIG. 7, a hydrogen station 100 and a building 200 are illustrated. The building 200 includes a fuel cell 20. In the second modification, hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 20 of the building 200 in addition to the fuel cell vehicle. The same components as those in the embodiment or the first modification are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, a second modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  The building 200 includes a fuel cell 20. The fuel cell 20 is a battery that generates power using hydrogen as fuel, and supplies power to various parts of the building 200. The fuel cell 20 is connected to the pressure reducing valve 6 and the valve 5c by piping. The fuel cell 20 is supplied with hydrogen from the curdle 1 or the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 through a pipe. Furthermore, the fuel cell 20 can transfer heat generated during power generation to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 by a heat source pipe (not shown).

  In the second modification, the hydrogen station 100 supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell 20 of the building 200 in addition to the fuel cell vehicle. Therefore, even when there is little use of hydrogen by the fuel cell vehicle, the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen station 100 can be secured by supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell 20 of the building 200.

  Furthermore, since the fuel cell 20 and the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 are connected by a heat source pipe (not shown), the heat from the fuel cell 20 can be used to release hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7. Therefore, according to the second modification, it is possible to omit the heat source 9 or to adopt a heat source 9 with lower performance.

<Third Modification>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the third modification. In FIG. 8, the hydrogen production plant 300 connected to the hydrogen station 100 and the hydrogen station 100 by piping is illustrated. In the embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, the hydrogen filled in the curdle 1 at the hydrogen production factory was transported to the hydrogen stations 100 and 100a by the trailer. In the third modified example, in addition to the conveyance of the curdle 1 by the trailer, hydrogen produced at the hydrogen production plant 300 is supplied to the hydrogen station 100 by piping. The same components as those in the embodiment, the first modified example, or the second modified example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, a third modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  The hydrogen production factory 300 is a factory that produces hydrogen. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the hydrogen production factory 300. The hydrogen production factory 300 includes a solar power generator 30, a hydrogen production apparatus 40, and a hydrogen storage alloy tank 7b. The solar power generator 30 generates power using sunlight as an energy source. The hydrogen production apparatus 40 produces hydrogen by performing water electrolysis with the electric power supplied from the solar power generator 30. The hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 b stores the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production apparatus 40 and supplies the stored hydrogen to the hydrogen station 100. Sunlight is an example of “renewable energy”.

  In the hydrogen production factory 300, as described above, the hydrogen production apparatus 40 produces hydrogen by the electric power supplied from the solar power generator 30. The amount of power generated by the solar power generator 30 varies depending on weather conditions and the like. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen produced at the hydrogen production plant 300 varies depending on weather conditions and the like. When the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen production plant 300 is larger than the amount required by the hydrogen station 100, the hydrogen produced at the hydrogen production plant 300 may be stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7b. Further, when the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen production factory 300 is smaller than the amount required by the hydrogen station 100, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7b may be released.

  In the third modification, the fluctuation in the hydrogen supply amount of the hydrogen production apparatus 40 was absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7b. Therefore, according to the third modification, hydrogen can be stably supplied to the fuel cell vehicle even if the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 40 varies due to instability of the amount of power supplied.

  In the third modification, the fluctuation of the hydrogen supply amount of the hydrogen production apparatus 40 is absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7b arranged in the hydrogen production factory 300. It may be absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy 7.

  In the third modification, hydrogen is produced using the electric power generated by the solar power generator 30, but the hydrogen production factory 300 produces hydrogen using electric power generated using other renewable energy as an energy source. May be. Examples of other renewable energy include hydropower, wave power, tidal power, wind power, and geothermal heat.

<Fourth Modification>
The fuel cell 20 is connected to the hydrogen station 100 in the second modification, and the hydrogen production apparatus 40 is connected to the hydrogen station 100 in the third modification. In the fourth modification, a configuration in which both the fuel cell and the hydrogen production apparatus are connected to the hydrogen station 100 will be described.

  10 and 11 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the fourth modification. 10 and 11 illustrate the hydrogen station 100 and the building 200a connected to the hydrogen station 100 by piping. The same components as those in the embodiment or the first to third modifications are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, a fourth modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  The building 200a is different from the building 200 of the second modified example in that it has a hydrogen production plant 300a having a water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 that has both functions of a fuel cell and a hydrogen production device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the hydrogen production factory 300a. The hydrogen production factory 300a includes a solar power generator 30, a hydrogen storage alloy tank 7c, and a water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50.

  The water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 performs water electrolysis with the electric power supplied from the solar power generator 30 to produce hydrogen. The water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 generates electricity using hydrogen as fuel, and supplies the generated power to various places such as a hot water storage tank illustrated in FIG. 10 of the building 200a. The water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 is connected to the compressor 2, the pressure reducing valve 6 and the valve 5c by piping.

  Similarly to the second modified example, the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 is supplied with hydrogen from the curdle 1 or the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 through a pipe to generate electric power. Furthermore, the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 can transfer heat generated during power generation to the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7 by a heat source pipe (not shown).

  If the amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 is larger than the amount required by the hydrogen station 100, the hydrogen produced at the hydrogen production plant 300a can be stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7c. Good. Further, when the amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 is less than the amount required by the hydrogen station 100, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7c may be released.

  In the fourth modification, the hydrogen station 100 supplies hydrogen not only to the fuel cell vehicle but also to the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 of the building 200a. Therefore, even when the use of hydrogen by the fuel cell vehicle is low, the operation rate of the hydrogen station 100 can be increased by supplying hydrogen to the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 of the building 200a.

  In the fourth modification, the fluctuation of the hydrogen supply amount of the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 was absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7c. Therefore, according to the fourth modification, even if there is a change in the amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 due to instability of the amount of supplied power, the hydrogen is stabilized in the fuel cell vehicle. Can be supplied.

  In the fourth modification, the hydrogen station 100 supplies hydrogen not only to the fuel cell vehicle but also to the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 of the building 200a. Therefore, even when there is little use of hydrogen by the fuel cell vehicle, the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen station 100 can be secured by supplying hydrogen to the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 of the building 200a.

  In the fourth modification, the fluctuation of the hydrogen supply amount of the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 was absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy tank 7c. Therefore, according to the fourth modification, even if there is a change in the amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell 50 due to instability of the amount of supplied power, the hydrogen is stabilized in the fuel cell vehicle. Can be supplied.

  The embodiments and modifications disclosed above can be combined.

100, 100a, 500 ... hydrogen station 1a, 1b ... curdle 2 ... compressor 3 ... pressure accumulator 4 ... dispenser 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k ... valve 6 ... pressure reducing valve 7, 7a ... hydrogen storage alloy tank 8 ... cooling source 9 ... heat source 10, 10a ... pump 11, 11a ... heat source Piping 20 ... Fuel cell 200, 200a ... Building 300, 300a ... Hydrogen production plant 30 ... Solar power generator 40 ... Hydrogen production device 50 ... Water electrolysis / fuel cell integrated cell

Claims (6)

A gas storage container filled with compressed hydrogen;
A compressor that pumps supplied hydrogen to the supply target of hydrogen at a specified pressure;
A storage medium capable of storing and releasing hydrogen, and
The storage medium is connected to the gas storage container when the pressure of the gas storage container is less than a predetermined suction pressure required for the compressor, and stores the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container,
Hydrogen stored in the storage medium is released to the compressor when the compressor pumps the hydrogen to the supply target.
Hydrogen supply facility. The storage medium is formed by a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen and generates heat when cooled, and releases and absorbs stored hydrogen when heated.
The hydrogen supply facility according to claim 1. A first heat source for heating the storage medium;
A second heat source for cooling the storage medium,
The storage medium is
Hydrogen having a pressure equal to or higher than the predetermined suction pressure can be released by heating in a temperature range possible by the first heat source, and the hydrogen in the gas storage container can be occluded by cooling in a temperature range possible by the second heat source. Made possible,
The hydrogen supply facility according to claim 2. The storage medium includes two storage media in thermal contact with each other,
The other occlusion medium heats the other occlusion medium by the heat generated when one occlusion medium occludes hydrogen to promote the release of hydrogen by the other occlusion medium, and the endotherm at the time of the release of hydrogen by the other occlusion medium Cooling one storage medium to promote the storage of hydrogen by the one storage medium,
The hydrogen supply facility according to claim 2 or 3. It further comprises a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen using electric power supplied by power generation using renewable energy as an energy source,
The storage medium is
When the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen production device per unit time is larger than the amount of hydrogen required by the hydrogen supply facility, the hydrogen production device is connected to the hydrogen production device, and the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device is Occluded,
When the amount of hydrogen supplied per unit time from the hydrogen production device is less than the amount of hydrogen required by the hydrogen supply facility, it is connected to the compressor and releases the stored hydrogen.
The hydrogen supply facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A gas storage container filled with compressed hydrogen;
A compressor that pumps supplied hydrogen to the supply target of hydrogen at a specified pressure;
A hydrogen supply method for supplying hydrogen by a hydrogen supply facility comprising a storage medium capable of storing and releasing hydrogen,
When the pressure of the gas storage container is less than a predetermined suction pressure required for the compressor, the storage container is connected to the gas storage container, and the hydrogen remaining in the gas storage container is used as the storage medium. Occluded,
Discharging the hydrogen occluded in the occlusion medium to the compressor when the compressor pumps the hydrogen to the supply target;
Hydrogen supply method.

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